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H H S Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration

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Nursing Scholarship Program

The Nursing Scholarship Program application cycle for the 2012-2013 school year is closed.

  • Applicants selected to receive funding will be notified by August 31, 2012.
  • Applicants who submitted complete application packages, but are not selected to receive funding, will be notified by September 30, 2012.
  • Sign up to receive an e-mail when the 2013 Nursing Scholarship Program application cycle opens.

The Nursing Scholarship Program is a selective program of the U.S. Government that helps alleviate the critical shortage of nurses currently experienced by certain types of health care facilities by helping needy students complete their nurse training. In exchange for the scholarship, upon graduation, the newly minted nurses work at these facilities for at least 2 years.

This year:

  • the program is adapting to the increasing demand for nurse practitioners by reserving up to half of the award funds for students pursuing a master’s level nurse practitioner degree; and
  • NSP participants must serve at an eligible health care facility located in a primary care or mental health Health Professional Shortage Area also known as a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF).

Nursing Scholars fulfilling their service commitment receive a competitive salary and benefits package, which they negotiate directly with the employing facility. 

Applications are accepted once each year. Applicants selected to receive the scholarship are notified by email no later than August 31.

Benefits

In exchange for a minimum 2-year service commitment at a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses, the Nursing Scholarship Program pays:

Eligible Applicants

  • U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), nationals or lawful permanent residents
  • enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a professional nursing degree program (baccalaureate, graduate, associate degree, or diploma) at accredited school of nursing located in a U.S. state or territory
  • begin classes no later than September 30
  • free from any Federal judgment liens
  • free from existing service commitments
  • not delinquent on a Federal debt
  • more about applicant eligibility

Selection Criteria

Preference is given to qualified applicants with the greatest financial need who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited undergraduate nursing program or Master’s nurse practitioner program as full-time students. More about funding preferences

In FY 2011, 395 applicants were selected to receive the scholarship. 

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Scholarship Recipients

Customer Service Portal for Scholarship Recipients

The rules determining compliance with the NSP are determined by the Application and Program Guidance (APG) that was in effect the year you became a funded scholar.  The service obligation changes regarding employment tiers for 2012 are not applicable to scholars awarded in previous application cycles.  For your convenience, the 2010 and 2011 APG’s are available here:

Invoicing Guidelines for Schools (PDF - 112 KB)

Transitioning from School to Successful Service Completion (PPT - 3 MB)